"National has led by example. We had a strong line-up of women in senior Cabinet positions, which we've carried through to Opposition shadow portfolios, and will continue when we return to Government."

The Ministry of Women report says women make up fewer than 19 percent of NZX directorships and 19 percent of executive management in the private sector.

Women are also paid an average of 9.4 percent less than men, with the gap growing at the upper end of the scale, the report says. It says addressing representation on boards helps close the gap.